Three timeless destinations—Rome, Switzerland, and Paris—fit beautifully into a 9-day itinerary when you thread them together by train. This route honors your first-night arrival in Rome (~8pm), builds in an optional Florence stopover, spends two nights amid Swiss lakes and peaks, and ends with three Paris nights. Expect iconic landmarks, neighborhood cafés, local markets, and just enough nightlife to make the memories last.

Rome rewards you with 3,000 years of history, from the Colosseum and Forum to the Vatican’s masterpieces. In central Switzerland, medieval Lucerne is your gateway to Mt. Pilatus and serene lake cruises. Paris is your grand finale: world-class art, boulangeries, wine bars, and glittering views from the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Practical notes: Book intercity trains in advance (best prices) and plan key tickets—Colosseum/Vatican, Mt. Pilatus, Louvre/Eiffel—before you go. Tipping is modest in Italy and France; Switzerland is service-included. For a mid-range budget, lean on neighborhood trattorie, Parisian bouillons, and Swiss lunch specials. Always watch for pickpockets around major sights and busy metros.

Rome (with Florence stopover)

Rome fuses empire and everyday life—ancient stones beside espresso bars, Renaissance domes over trattorie. Walkable districts like Monti, Trastevere, and the historic center put you in easy reach of headline sights and great food.

• Top bites and sips: Roscioli Caffè for a cornetto and cappuccino; carbonara at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio); supplì at Supplizio; natural wines at Il Goccetto; gelato at Gelateria del Teatro.
• Fun facts: The Colosseum once hosted naval reenactments; St. Peter’s Basilica rests over a Roman necropolis; Rome’s aqueducts still inspire modern engineers.

Where to stay (Rome):

• Hotel Santa Maria (Trastevere) – Cozy courtyards and walk-to-everything charm, great value for the area.
• Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel – Splurge-worthy oasis steps from Piazza del Popolo.
• The Beehive – Friendly, budget-minded base near Termini with a café and garden.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Rome | Hotels.com Rome

Getting there and around: For your inbound flight to Rome, compare deals on Trip.com flights and Omio flights (Europe). Within Italy and to Florence/Switzerland, use Omio trains (advance fares are best).

Day 1: Arrive Rome (~8pm)

Evening: Check in and stretch your legs on a golden-hour stroll: Piazza Navona → Pantheon → Trevi Fountain. Grab a late bite—pizza al taglio at Bonci Pizzarium or cacio e pepe at Da Felice a Testaccio—and a gelato nightcap at Fatamorgana. If you’ve got a second wind, sip a Negroni at Salotto 42.

Day 2: Ancient Rome, neighborhoods, and Trastevere by night

Morning: Step into history with a guided tour of the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine. Book: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour.

Refuel in Monti: espresso at La Casetta, then browse Via Urbana’s boutiques.

Afternoon: Walk to the Pantheon (peek inside), then coffee at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè. Browse Via del Governo Vecchio for vintage and artisan finds. Snack stop: Forno Campo de’ Fiori (schiacciata).

Evening: Eat your way through Trastevere on an award-winning food tour—supplì, porchetta, cheeses, and gelato—with local stories and nightlife tips. Book: Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe.

Nightcap at Freni e Frizioni (cocktail bar) or a quiet glass at Il Goccetto.

Day 3: Early Vatican, then train to Florence (1 night)

Morning: Beat the crowds with an early-access Vatican tour—galleries, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s highlights. Book: Early Morning Vatican, Sistine, St. Peter's Semi or Private Tour.

Afternoon: Depart by Frecciarossa to Florence (~1h30–1h40; from ~€25–€60 on Omio trains). Check in, then espresso at Ditta Artigianale and a stroll across Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno’s artisan streets.

Evening: Dinner picks: Trattoria Sostanza (butter chicken and tortelli), Trattoria da Burde (Tuscan meats), or the market stands at Mercato Centrale (budget-friendly). Gelato at La Carraia. For wine, try Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina.

Where to stay (Florence): Browse VRBO Florence or Hotels.com Florence near Duomo, Santa Maria Novella, or the Oltrarno for walkability.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne sits where storybook Alps meet a sparkling lake, wrapped in painted guild houses and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge. It’s an easy launchpad for Mt. Pilatus or Titlis and one of the most photogenic old towns in Europe.

• Top bites and sips: Heini or Confiserie Bachmann for pastries; Swiss rösti at Wirtshaus Taube; cheese fondue at Fondue House Luzern; lakeside drinks at Seecafé.
• Good to know: Swiss transport runs like clockwork—use the SBB app after you book on Omio. Weather in the Alps changes quickly; bring layers even in summer.

Where to stay (Lucerne):

• Hotel des Balances – Romantic riverfront setting in the Old Town (great mid-range–plus pick).
• Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern City – Clean, reliable budget base.
• Seehotel Hermitage – Quiet lakeside escape with mountain views.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Lucerne | Hotels.com Lucerne

Day 4: Train Florence → Lucerne, lakefront old-town evening

Morning: Train Florence SMN → Milan → Lucerne (~4h45–5h30; from ~€70–€120 on Omio trains). Pack a picnic (panini + fruit) to save on Swiss prices.

Afternoon: Check in, then wander the Old Town: Weinmarkt square, frescoed façades, Spreuer Bridge. Coffee and a slice at Heini.

Evening: Classic Swiss dinner—fondue or raclette—at Fondue House Luzern. For a drink, head to Penthouse Roof Top Bar (Hotel Astoria) for Alps-at-dusk views or sip local brews at Bierliebe & Friends.

Day 5: Mt. Pilatus and Lake Lucerne

Make today your Alpine highlight with a small-group combo of gondolas, cogwheel railway, and a lake cruise. Book: Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group | From Lucerne.

Alternative in any season: soar higher on the Jungfraujoch day trip (longer day, jaw-dropping views) from Lucerne. Book: Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Lucerne with Eiger Express Gondola.

Evening: Back in town, dine at Wirtshaus Taube (rösti, lake fish) or Restaurant Opus (Swiss wines by the glass). Chocolate stop: Max Chocolatier for pralines.

Paris, Île-de-France

Paris is a mosaic of villages—Saint-Germain’s literary cafés, the Marais’ medieval lanes, Montmartre’s artists’ hill. Between boulangeries and wine bars you’ll thread together the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and the Seine at sunset.

• Top bites and sips: Croissants at Du Pain et des Idées; buckwheat galettes at Breizh Café; steak-frites at a Bouillon (Pigalle or Chartier); oysters with a Loire white at Le Baron Rouge; cocktails at Little Red Door or Le Syndicat.
• Shopping notes: Hit Le Marais (indie designers on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois), Saint-Germain (heritage brands), and covered passages like Galerie Vivienne.

Where to stay (Paris):

• Hotel du College de France – Loved for value and Left Bank location near the Latin Quarter.
• Hôtel des Arts Montmartre – Boutique feel steps from Sacré-Cœur lanes.
• Generator Paris – Design-forward hostel with private rooms and a rooftop (budget winner).
• Hôtel des Grands Boulevards – Chic hideaway with a popular bar/restaurant.
• The Ritz Paris – For the once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Paris | Hotels.com Paris

Getting to Paris: Lucerne → Basel SBB (~1h), then TGV Lyria to Paris Gare de Lyon (~3h). From ~€50–€120 when booked early on Omio trains. If you prefer to fly, compare on Omio flights.

Day 6: Train to Paris, Marais wander, Seine dinner cruise

Morning: Train Lucerne → Paris (via Basel) as above. Light lunch onboard or at Basel SBB before the TGV.

Afternoon: Check in and explore Le Marais: coffee at Boot Café (tiny, excellent), falafel on Rue des Rosiers, shopping along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and the arcades of Place des Vosges.

Evening: Celebrate night one aboard a glass-canopy boat with live music, passing the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame. Book: Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise.

After, sip French spirits at Le Syndicat or a glass of Beaujolais at Le Baron Rouge (earlier hours).

Day 7: Louvre, Right Bank arcades, Montmartre flavors

Morning: Dive into the world’s greatest museum with a guide for the essentials (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more). Book: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Access.

Afternoon: Tuileries Gardens, Palais-Royal, and Galerie Vivienne for covered-passage magic. Snack ideas: L’éclair de Génie or Stohrer (oldest pâtisserie in Paris).

Evening: Taste Montmartre with a local—charcuterie, cheeses, Bordeaux/Burgundy sips, and bistros around Rue des Abbesses. Book: Authentic Parisian Gourmet Food Tour with 10 Local Dishes & Wines.

Drinks after: Little Red Door (World’s 50 Best Bars alum), or head up to Le Perchoir (Marais) for rooftop views.

Day 8: Bake, then the Iron Lady

Morning: Learn to laminate dough and shape viennoiseries in a small-group atelier. Book: Paris Croissant Small-Group Baking Class with a Chef.

Afternoon: Head to the Eiffel Tower with timed entry (top or 2nd level) for the city’s signature panorama. Book: Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Top or 2nd floor by lift.

Evening: Classic crepes at Breizh Café (book ahead) or a hearty, budget-friendly feast at Bouillon Pigalle. Optional: a 1-hour Seine cruise at sunset for extra sparkle. Book: Paris Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary.

Day 9: Notre-Dame and departure (afternoon)

Morning: See the renewed splendor of Notre-Dame and hear its backstory on a guided tour around Île de la Cité. Book: Early Access Paris Notre Dame Cathedral Walking Tour.

Afternoon: Last coffee in Saint-Germain (Coutume or Café de Flore vibe), pick up macarons or a wedge of Comté from a fromagerie, then head to your airport. For trains or airport buses, check Omio buses and Omio trains; for outbound flights, compare on Omio flights.

Intercity Travel Snapshot (book on Omio)

• Rome → Florence: Frecciarossa ~1h30–1h40; from ~€25–€60. Search trains
• Florence → Lucerne (via Milan): ~4h45–5h30; from ~€70–€120. Search trains
• Lucerne → Paris (via Basel): ~4h total; from ~€50–€120. Search trains

Extra Rome Viator Picks (if you add time or swap activities)

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

• Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour: Beyond the Landmarks

Budget-savvy tips for a 50/100 budget

• Meals: In Rome/Florence, lunch on panini or pizza al taglio; in Paris, try Bouillons (hearty classics, low prices); in Switzerland, aim for lunch menus and picnic supplies from Coop/Migros.
• Coffee: Drink your espresso at the bar in Italy (cheaper); in Paris, order “un café” (espresso) or “café crème” (morning).
• Transit: Book trains early on Omio. Walkable neighborhoods save on taxis; metros handle most city trips.

Trip Summary: In nine days you’ll walk ancient Rome, savor a night in Florence, ride Alpine rails to Lucerne for a mountain-and-lake day, and end with art, baking, and riverlight in Paris. It’s a compact, culture-forward Europe itinerary that balances big sights with local cafés, wine bars, and memorable meals—ideal for a mid-range traveler.